So you’ve decided to go for your big adventure dream! Congratulations! Why am I congratulating you? Because you’ve already made the hardest step. You’ve made a decision to go for your expedition dreams. A decision that many never make. And you’ve done it. So pat yourself on the back.
Now onto the details.
I’ve put together this page full of the information you need to get started on this incredible journey. From expedition training to financial planning, I’ve covered all the important steps to help you along the way. Have a question I haven’t answered? Drop me an email or leave a comment. I’ll do everything I can to answer it, and will write a post to help others too!
Expedition Training
One of the most common questions I’m asked is how I train for expeditions. The honest answer? I don’t train enough! I’m human. And I’m very bad for letting training slide until the last minute. So my best advice?
Start early and build it up. No matter what your current fitness level, all you need is a bit of willpower to get started. Build up gradually, and before you know it, you’ll be in top shape for your adventure.
Here are my Top Training Tips
When you’re planning an expedition, plan what training you will do. I spend a lot of my training time up in the mountains, because I mainly undertake trekking expeditions. Tailor your training to your trip. Getting out in terrain similar to your trek is always going to be the best way to train. Added bonus that it’s free, accessible for all and you can tailor it to your ability.
It also gives you a chance to test out your gear too! A couple of my favourite training walks have been munros Ben Lomond and Schiehallion, as well as local hill Arthurs Seat.
Don’t forget that training your mind is important too. The mental side of an expedition will make or break you. Here is How to Mentally Prepare for Your Expedition.
Financing your adventure
Expeditions are expensive. There is no beating around the bush. It sucks. Costs will always be a major part of expedition planning. And I know it can feel like a massive force pushing you farther away from your big adventure dreams. But, as cheesy as it sounds, where there is a will there is a way.
How I Budget My Adventure Funding
Keep your dream in mind, make a plan and implement small changes to help you along the way. What might seem like small savings at first, can turn into big chunks of your expedition costs.
And keep in mind there are companies who accept expedition payment plans – that’s what I do every time! There are also adventure grants and funds out there that could help you along the way. Post about this is coming soon.
But it’s not just the cost of the expedition you need to think about. You obviously need to factor in what gear you need too….
Gear & Expedition Kit Lists
What gear you need depends on where your expedition is and what it is you are facing. A polar expedition needs vastly different kit to hiking the Sierra Nevada in June!
If you’re headed to the Himalayas, here is my kit list for Himalayan Treks
Top tips for any kit list:
- Follow advice given by your guiding company, as they’ll have the best knowledge of your exact requirements.
- Layers are always key in my books. You will find your own layering system that works for you.
- You will also find out what gear is personally essential to you and what you would rather live without. Example: I hate, with a passion, wide-brimmed hats. I’d rather lather up extra on the suncream level than wear one.
And don’t forget, you’ll need your hillwalking essentials too!
Planning your expedition kit list can be daunting at time, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. I’ve got plenty of kit from Ebay and second hand sites, that are a fraction of the retail price. It’s also better for the health of our planet. More eco-adventure tips here.
High Altitude
Altitude Sickness is a fear for anyone going on a high-altitude trek. I remember planning for my Everest Base Camp expedition and freaking out about it. But the more you understand about altitude and it’s effect on your body, the more comfortable you will be.
Altitude Adjustment and the Human Body – Everything you need to know about how high altitude affects you, and how to handle it on expedition.
If you want to see what altitude looks like behind the beautiful Instagram photos, have a laugh at my real photos from expeditions!
Best Expeditions for Beginners
Choosing your first expedition will always be the hardest. But also the most exciting! My best tip? BOOK IT. This might not be the same advice as your parents or peers will give you. But I’m a big believer in gut feelings. You can end up planning an expedition for years and never getting past the drawing board. Do your research, and once you’ve found one that gives you that tingly feeling in the pit of your stomach, hit the book button.
So. You’ve made the first step. And know you’re empowered with information. So what’s topping you? Get out a notebook and start planning. What exciting adventure expedition are you dreaming of? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram.
If you have found this helpful and want to contribute to my running of this blog, I am always thankful for coffees! Oh, and remember to sign up to my newsletter to keep up to date with new posts.